How do thyroid disorders affect fertility?
Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, is a condition that often goes undiagnosed and can interfere with a woman’s ability to conceive. When the thyroid stops producing adequate amounts of certain hormones, the body responds by producing more thyroid stimulating hormone, or TSH. The excess TSH in the system suppresses the production of follicle stimulating hormone, or FSH, which is responsible for triggering ovulation. Common symptoms of hypothyroidism are fatigue, constipation, unexplained weight gain, dry skin, muscle weakness and soreness, and intolerance to cold. Once diagnosed, the condition can be treated with medication.
